SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    Form 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                         Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                         Date of Report: August 15, 2000



                 CHASE MANHATTAN BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
      --------------------------------------------------------------------
                  (Originator of the Trust referred to herein)


                     CHASE MANHATTAN AUTO OWNER TRUST 1996-C
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    (Issuer)
           (Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)


   United States                       333-7575                   22-2382028
- ----------------------------    ------------------------     -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction    (Commission File Number)      (IRS Employer
of incorporation)                                            Identification No.)


               802 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware          19801
               ------------------------------------------       ---------
               (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (302) 575-5033







Item 5. Other Events:

         Chase Manhattan Auto Owner Trust 1996-C is the issuer of 4 classes of
Asset Backed Notes and a single class of Asset Backed Certificates. The notes
and certificates are serviced in accordance with the Sale and Servicing
Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1996, as amended. The parties to the Sale and
Servicing Agreement are: Chase Manhattan Bank USA, National Association, as
seller and as servicer, and Chase Manhattan Auto Owner Trust 1996-C, as issuer.

         On August 15, 2000, Chase USA, as servicer, distributed monthly
interest to the holders of the cotes and certificates. Chase USA furnished a
copy of the monthly statement to certificateholders for the series as required
by the Sale and Servicing Agreement. A copy of the monthly statement to
certificateholders is being filed as Exhibit 20.1 to this Current Report on Form
8-K.

Item 7(c). Exhibits

                  Exhibits          Description
                  ----------        ---------------

                  20.1              Monthly statement to certificateholder with
                                    respect to the August 15, 2000 distribution.









                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated:  August 25, 2000

                                          By: THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                          USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                          as Servicer


                                          By: /s/ Patricia Garvey
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Name: Patricia Garvey
                                          Title: Vice President







                                        INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                                        ----------------------------

Exhibit No.                             Description
- ---------------                         -----------------
20.1                                    Statement to Certificateholders dated
                                        8/15/2000 delivered pursuant to Section
                                        5.8 of the Sale and Servicing Agreement
                                        dated as of December 1, 1996.